Florida's Hurricane Season Is Here: Hurricane Preparedness List
June 1st marks the start of an ominous few months for Florida residents- Hurricane Season. Until the end of November, you'll want to continuously prepare for an unexpected disaster. Sure, hurricanes can be predicted. However, the impact the storm will leave can never fully be known. That's why it's best to be ready for the worst and have a complete hurricane preparedness list to follow.
Al Carpenter & Czelusta, we know this tragedy all too well. Because of this, we have provided a comprehensive guide to preparing for a catastrophic hurricane. Continue reading to learn what you'll need in the case of an emergency and how to be fully prepared for Florida's hurricane season.
1 | PROTECT WINDOWS AND DOORS
If you're a lifetime Florida resident, you may remember boarding your windows at the start of hurricane season. Though unsightly and tedious, guarding your windows with hurricane shutters can be a lifesaver. It's not always necessary, but it must be taken seriously if your area is expecting some nasty storms this season. When you've been notified the storm is on its way, closing and locking all windows and doors should be one of the first things on your hurricane preparedness list. Additionally, check your home's structure, including windows and doors, for gaps and small openings needing repair at the beginning of the season. Especially if you live near the Florida coast, you'll want to prepare for a potential flood. Before the storm, line your doorways with heavy sandbags to prevent water from creeping inside your home. Also, it's wise to have a sump pump handy and ready for use.
2 | BRING IN OUTDOOR FURNITURE
In anticipation of high winds and treacherous downpours, ensure you have brought all outdoor furniture indoors. Do not make the mistake of underestimating the strength of hurricane winds. Even your heaviest furniture items can be blown away and cause massive damage to a nearby structure, including your own home. Furthermore, remove kids' toys, outdoor décor, and potted plants from your yard.
3 | TRIM TREE BRANCHES
One commonly missed element in a complete hurricane preparedness list is trimming your property's trees. Especially if the tree has branches reaching toward your home, be sure they are cut to ensure you and your family's safety. You'll also want to remove any branches that are breaking or dead because these limbs can easily be torn from the tree amid a hurricane and damage your home. Also, note that trimming your trees must be done well before a storm is on its way. Suppose you remove the branches right as the hurricane is arriving. You are left with a pile of debris that can cause extreme danger when picked up by strong winds. This is a step to be completed well before any storm hits to ensure trash collectors or yard companies pick up the debris.
4 | FILL YOUR BATHTUB
Have you ever heard of filling your bathtub when a hurricane comes to your area? Well, it's an excellent way to combat losing water access during a storm. That way, you can use the water in the tub for bathing, drinking, or anything else until your water is restored. Alternatively, you can store gallon jugs of water or several pallets of water bottles.
5 | ESTABLISH A "SAFE ZONE"
In the worst cases, you'll need to have a spot in your home to seek shelter from external conditions. For instance, if the hurricane is expected to pass directly over your home, you'll want to have a pre-established "safe zone" stocked with all your disaster supplies. A "safe zone" needs to be an interior room in the house with no windows, skylights, or glass doors in proximity. Have the room ready for use by moving all your survival supplies inside, including blankets and pillows for comfort. Often, the safest rooms are bathrooms or closets, and you don't want to be left lying on a cold floor as you wait for the storm out.
6 | STORE VALUABLES IN WATERPROOF CONTAINERS
In tightly-sealed waterproof containers, you'll want to store valuable items, like expensive jewelry or family heirlooms, necessary paperwork, birth certificates, passports, and more. That way, if your home is damaged and exposed to harsh hurricane weather or experiences flooding, your precious objects will be protected.
7 | PROTECT YOUR CAR
Don't forget about your vehicles! If you have a garage, be sure to park your automobile inside. However, if the garage is not an option, It's best to park close to a building and avoid power lines and trees. Furthermore, ensure your vehicle has plenty of gas in the case of an evacuation or to seek help once the hurricane has cleared. And finally, avoid leaving your home in a flood. Even the shallow puddles and do significant damage to your vehicle.
8 | LOCATE THE NEAREST SHELTER
Not everyone considers locating an emergency shelter when gathering everything you need for your hurricane preparedness list. But you'll thank yourself later if you need to escape your home for the nearest shelter. It's also important to note that not all shelters will allow pets to come along with you and your family. So, make emergency plans for your pet or locate a shelter that will accept your four-legged family member, too.
9 | REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Getting your home and possessions ready for hurricane season is clearly an essential part of any hurricane preparedness list. However, newer Florida residents may easily miss the step of reviewing their insurance coverage. Be ready for the worst-case scenario by understanding the ins and outs of your insurance coverage. Doing this will make the aftermath of dealing with home restoration run much more smoothly and reduce some of the chaos.
10 | TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR HOME AND POSSESSIONS
You'll want to take pictures of the inside and outside of your home when anticipating a catastrophic hurricane this season. You can use the photos you take for insurance purposes and disaster assistance. Before the storm arrives, take detailed and clear pictures of the rooms inside your home, the exterior of your home, your vehicles, and any additional structures, like sheds. Once the hurricane has passed, you can take photos of any damages that occurred during the storm.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPLIES DO YOU NEED FOR A HURRICANE?
You never quite expect it, but there's always a chance you could be stuck in your home with no power and no water for several days. For this, you'll want to be prepared. Use the list below as a basic guide to what you should have stored away in the case of an emergency this hurricane season.
- Several gallons of water
- Enough non-perishable food for at least three to seven days
- Paper plates, plastic utensils, and a manual can opener
- Pet food and supplies
- Flashlights
- Plenty of batteries
- Hand-crank or battery-operated radio
- Toiletries
- Fully charged cell phones and portable chargers
- First aid kit and any necessary medications
- Cash
IF DISASTER STRIKES, WE'RE ON YOUR SIDE
Carpenter & Czelusta has handled claims of all kinds, and hurricanes are no new feat for us. From Florida's Panhandle to the Keys, we have served many families faced with home damage and other unfortunate circumstances for well over 20 years.
If you and your family have been impacted by this year's hurricane season, know that Carpenter & Czelusta are here to help. With compassionate service and expertise, you can be confident you're in the right hands when working with our determined team.
